Eleazar and Carlisle knew better than anyone in the room what it meant to have Aro collecting again. The idea that Aro thought he had the right to force vampires to either join his guard or die was infuriating to them both. He and his brothers may be the self-appointed leaders of the vampire world, but that did not give him the right to punish innocent vampires because he was desperate to maintain his throne. Eleazar was outraged for his dear friend and swore he would do whatever he could to help protect the remaining members of Carlisle's family.
"There was a time when I was a member of the Guard." Eleazar began. "I believed in upholding the laws and thought it was a good decision. As some of you know, I have the ability to sense gifts in others. I was a useful tool for Aro, and he used me in his acquisitions, often pardoning a vampire who had been brought before him if I sensed they might be a good addition to his collection." He spat the word. "I thought I was helping, but it was quickly apparent that the Volturi were not the benevolent rulers I thought them to be. They would bring in innocent vampires on trussed up charges simply because they coveted their gifts. It was disgusting and alarming to see so much power in their hands, knowing that they were unstoppable. The twins guarantee their supreme rule. No one has ever been able to get past their attack. Even if one could get past them, Renata is Aro's personal shield and a physical attack is impossible. You would simply find yourself diverted in another direction, not knowing what you were trying to do in the first place." Eleazar shook his head in disgust. "To think I helped them build this unstoppable army."
Carlisle clasped his shoulder. "We didn't know, brother. When we did know, we left. You are not to blame in this. You saved many vampires from being destroyed. As much as I hate to admit it, I'd much rather know Edward and Alice were alive as a part of their guard than to have had them destroyed." Eleazar nodded solemnly. They'd had this conversation before. They both shared guilt over their time with the Volturi.
"We cannot allow this to continue." Eleazar spoke with absolute conviction. "It is not right!"
Jasper's eyes faded to black as the righteous anger of the vampires in the room swirled around him, heightening his own outrage at the situation. "Well we have a chance now." He turned his obsidian eyes to the newest member of their coven. Bella met his eyes and they both remembered their vow of revenge. She nodded at his silent question. They would take out the Volturi.
The rest of the room watched their silent exchange, their curiosity piqued. They knew Bella was immune to Aro, Jane, and Demetri. She could escape unharmed, but that didn't mean the rest of them would be protected. Jasper had every faith that Bella could protect them all. He knew what her shields could do, and given more practice, she could defend their entire family against the Volturi's Guard. He knew now why Alice had been so sure of Bella's survival. He knew this was why his wife had given her life to protect the girl. Bella could save them all. Her last self-sacrificing act had been so they could live.
"I'm calling in the rest of the family." Carmen stated as she headed to Carlisle's study to use the phone. Eleazar kissed the top of her head and sent her on her way.
Carlisle turned his attention back to the nomad. "Garrett, do you have anything else to tell us?"
"Not really. They started in the States, and are headed here next. I'd say you have a couple of days before they show up. They did not want to give you time to run or hide the girl. Though I am pretty sure they really do want you to run, if only to give them more ammunition against you."
"You're likely correct in that assumption. Aro is a master at this kind of game. He's had it planned out since before he called me to Volterra to retrieve Bella. I'd suggest you go ahead and take your leave then. I'm sure you don't want to be here when they arrive. Thank you for seeking us out. We are in your debt." Carlisle held his hand out for Garrett to take.
"Oh, I'm not going anywhere. I haven't seen this much excitement since the Revolution. I sought you out because I wanted to help you. I may not have a gift, but I will no longer stand by and watch innocent vampires suffer under such a corrupt ruling class."
"You realize that this could mean a death sentence?" Carlisle asked carefully.
"Give me liberty, or give me death." The Patriot stated with an eager smirk. He then clasped Carlisle's hand and an ally was made.
Carmen returned. "The girls took the boat out. It will take them a couple days to get here, but they're coming." Eleazar embraced his mate, knowing the likelihood of them coming out of this unscathed was slim.
"Jasper, do you have any ideas?" Carlisle asked.
"I have a few." All their lives rested in his and Bella's hands.
"Would you like to share?" Rosalie scowled.
"Actually, no. Not yet. If you'll excuse us, Bella and I need to go work out a few things." He leveled her with his icy stare.
"Yes, of course." Carlisle stepped in between the two pseudo-siblings. "Though I believe it might be in Bella's best interest to hunt first. All this training seems to be taking it's toll." He rested his hand on her shoulder lovingly. "Take care of yourself, my daughter." He murmured and Bella nodded in acknowledgment.
Garrett jumped up, radiating nothing but pure excitement. "Can I come? I'd love to see how you hunt."
Jasper turned to Bella, knowing she might be uncomfortable with a stranger watching her hunt, but she surprised him. "Sure. If you're going to be staying, it's probably best if you stick to animals. It's quite a trip to the nearest town and it's quite small."
The giant clapped his hands. "Great! Let's go."
As much as Jasper hated the idea, Garrett would be following Bella while she hunted. If he went with Jasper, they would end up in a fight to defend their prey. Even when he hunted with his brothers, they each took off in different directions. During the hunt, vampires give themselves over entirely to the animal within them. They run on pure instinct. Just as male lions don't hunt together, male vampires don't either. Of course, it was entirely possible that even Bella might turn on Garrett if she felt threatened, but it was unlikely.
Bella shot off into the woods once she scented a herd of caribou and Garrett trailed behind her simply observing her fluid grace as she moved through the trees and underbrush. Hunting humans required little chase, but he could see the true huntress as she tracked down the herd. They did not smell appetizing at all to Garrett, but he was always up for a challenge. He perched himself in a tree as he watched her lithely leap onto the back of a large buck. In a matter of seconds she had snapped his neck, ripped back the fur and began to drain the beast that was easily four times her size. He was instantly aroused at the sight and shocked to find that hunting animals was much more sensual than hunting humans.
Eager to test his own prowess, Garrett took off after the rest of the herd as she finished off her first. He quickly caught two caribou, a small buck and a doe, snapping their necks quickly as Bella had done. He then brought them back to where he left her, presenting Bella with the doe. She looked up at him, surprised at his offering, then quickly ripped back the fur and sank her teeth into it's neck before it's heart stopped beating. Garrett followed suit, keeping his eyes trained on Bella. The first hot spurt of blood down his throat nearly made him gag. It tasted gamey, of grass and dirt, but he couldn't deny that it slaked his thirst, and the hunt was exciting. Even more exciting was watching the delicate creature in front of him. Knowing she was unmated caused his long dormant loins to stir and he wanted to claim her. However, he knew this coven lived differently and was sure his advances would be unwelcome. Still, her eyes, now a swirling gold, were locked on his own as they each finished their own animals. He found himself wanting to protect and provide for her, and wondered if she needed more.
When they finished and she'd shown him how to dispose of the corpses, Bella turned to him with a shy smile. "What do you think?"
"Fascinating." He gave her a lascivious grin.
Bella recognized the look of hunger in his eyes and stammered a bit before she regained her composure. "I know caribou doesn't compare to...to...human blood, but you can get used to it. There's a lynx a little ways to the west if you'd like to try for it. Carnivores taste much better. Bears are Emmett's favorite."
During her rambling, Garrett had closed the distance between them, his eyes focused on her reddened lips. Bella backed up instinctively. He was quite attractive, and it had been a while since she'd been with Peter. But, they'd only just met, and even though she'd allowed Peter certain liberties in regards to her body, she wasn't going to be intimate with any and every male that showed interest in her. Even if she was lonely. Even if he did hunt for her. Perhaps if they got to know one another...
Bella placed a hand on his chest, noting how small she was in comparison to him. "Garrett, you should go take a dip in the river. You are a complete mess." She laughed nervously. "I guess I should have warned you that hunting animals was much messier than humans. I'm sure Emmett has some clothes you can use."
He'd be lying if he said his ego didn't take a hit with her gentle rejection, but he would respect this timid little beauty's wishes. This family was different than other covens he'd come across. They were much more human. If he wanted a chance with her, he'd have to take the time to get to know her. He'd have to try to remember how to court a woman.
Garrett heard Jasper approaching and backed up instinctively. "Yes, Garrett, the river is just over there. Bella and I will return to the house and ask Emmett to spare some clothes for you." Jasper's voice was full of menace. He was no idiot, even without his gift Jasper could see how obviously attracted the vampire was to Bella. The pure lust and want radiating off the nomad was too much. It sparked Jasper's protective side and only a small part of him was relieved that Garrett backed off when he had. The rest of him was pissed that the Patriot had the nerve to even try.
"We'll see you at the house, Garrett." Bella said softly, and pulled on Jasper's arm until he stopped glowering at Garrett and followed her. "What was that?" She hissed under her breath once they had put some distance between them.
"He wanted you, Bella." Jasper spat.
"And?" She sighed, exasperated. "I've told you before, Jasper, I don't need to be babysat. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. He understood that he wasn't going to get anywhere with me and he backed off. I don't need you rushing in like a knight in shining armor to save me from the big, bad nomad." Bella stopped abruptly and faced Jasper. "Besides, what if I wanted him too? He is very attractive..."
"Bella!" Jasper hissed. "You don't even know him!"
"So? It's not like he can hurt me."
Jasper just shook his head in disgust.
"What?" Bella exclaimed. "Don't even try to tell me you aren't...frustrated." Her eyes darted into the trees and he could feel her embarrassment. He did not want to talk about this with her.
"Of course I am, but you don't see me pawing over the first female I come across." He immediately regretted his words when her saw the hurt flash across her face. "Bella...I..."
"Don't." She cut him off with a growl, before speeding off towards the house.
Frustrated with himself, Jasper let out a roar and took out a defenseless tree, before heading back to the house himself. Of course he'd had his share of women during his time with Maria, but when he left that life behind, he left any promiscuity behind as well. The only woman he'd been with in over fifty years was Alice. He could no longer see things from any other perspective. Although Edward and Bella had not been intimate, he still viewed their relationship like his was with Alice – monogamous and eternal. He just couldn't separate the physical act of sex from the emotional bond he shared with his mate. He couldn't understand Bella's behavior either. He knew how much she loved Edward, how much she still ached from the loss of her mate. How could she give her body to anyone else?
When he returned to the house, Carlisle and Eleazar were in the study discussing strategies and plans. He thought he should probably join them, but just wasn't in the mood at the moment. As he headed to his room he passed Emmett, clad only in a towel, handing a stack of clothes to Bella. The heavy, humid scent of his and Rose's mating rolled through the hallway and slammed into him. Bella didn't even look abashed. She thanked Emmett and shoved her way past Jasper.
Emmett watched the exchange with amusement. "What did you do this time, bro?"
Jasper shook his head. "That's between me and her." He could see Rose wrapped up in a sheet, still naked in the bed, behind him.
Her eyes widened with realization. "You didn't." She gasped, well aware of his opinion on Bella's activities with Peter.
Jasper nodded. "Garrett.."
"Well of course he'd be attracted to her. She's single and they were hunting together. I honestly don't know how you've kept it in your pants this long."
Jasper growled in warning. "Rose!"
"It's been over a year, Jasper. No one is saying you have to find another mate or fall in love, but maybe releasing a little of this sexual frustration would be good for you. You're beginning to act like Edward. And leave Bella alone! She doesn't need you interfering."
"I'm not discussing this with you." He spat out, turning away abruptly and heading to his room.
The two of them immediately picked up where they left off, and that, combined with his recent hunting trip, left him uncomfortably engorged. He yanked off his dirt caked jeans and headed into the bathroom for a shower. Of course Rose hit a nerve. He was incredibly frustrated. In fact, he was throbbing at the moment. Deciding he could use the release, Jasper tentatively reached down and grasped his erection, hissing at the contact. Alice's face flashed behind his eyelids and immediately felt guilty. He had not touched himself since losing her. Sucking in a breath, he tried again, this time picturing Alice as she hunted. Her tiny body flitting through the savannah as she leapt gracefully on the back of an aging lioness. Her thighs gripped the animals as it tried to run and shake the predator from her back. Alice wrapped her arms around her neck and they began to roll through the dusty grasses in a deadly dance. She then snapped the lioness' neck and Jasper joined her as they both fed from the hot, pulsing blood. Their eyes locked across the dying, heaving form of the large cat. It was the closest to human blood he'd ever had. Jasper remembered how Alice's blouse had torn from the huntress' claws, and a trickle of fresh blood spilled over her chin and onto her exposed cleavage. He continued stroking himself as he remembered the way she tasted on his lips that day. She lay spread out on the ground, divested of her clothes, her skin sparkling in the African sun as he worshiped every inch of her body. And when he finally recalled the way it felt when he slid into her, his cock grew impossibly harder in his hand. The vision of her arching and moaning beneath him was enough to send him spiraling towards his orgasm. At the last second, Alice's face morphed into a different one, and he fell over the edge imagining his hands wrapped in long, chestnut tendrils, as he reached his climax.
He couldn't stop the physical reaction to his manual stimulation, but mentally, he was horrified. As soon as he regained control, he slammed his fist into the tiles, cracking several, and sobbed out in agony. Jasper would never forgive himself for sullying Alice's memory like that. Bella was his sister, and he would always remain faithful to Alice. He would never...could never love another. Deeply ashamed of his unbidden thoughts, Jasper quickly toweled off and retreated to his room, continuing to mentally castigate himself. He wanted nothing to do with anyone until he sorted this out.
After Garrett had enjoyed a shower – his first in years - and dressed in fresh, clean clothes, he found Bella curled up on the back porch. They were both aware of Jasper's private moment. It was unavoidable with senses as finely tuned as theirs and he had been projecting. Garrett was curious as to her relationship with the empath, but was hesitant to ask about something so personal. She was a curious little thing, asking him about his history. Bella listened with rapt attention as he shared some of his personal experiences through the many years since he'd been made a vampire. She was fascinated that he had lived among such legendary figures as George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.
"This is so much better than any high school history class. You were there when we gained our independence. Do you have any idea how amazing that is?" His ego grew a bit with her blatant adoration.
Garrett was just as fascinated with her. As a nomad, he rarely interacted with humans, unless he was out looking for a meal. The country had changed so much through the years that he really couldn't understand what it would be like to live among humans this day in age. So, Bella obliged him and described what it was like growing up on the cusp of a new millennium. He was somewhat shocked at the amount of freedom all people had, especially when hearing how young people these days conducted themselves. It was hard for him to understand why her mother left her father, he seemed like a good man. He provided for his family and loved his wife and child. Charlie Swan didn't abuse them, and he wasn't an adulterer. When Bella explained that over half of all marriages end in divorce, he was baffled. Times were certainly different now, and Garrett didn't think the changes were very positive. Apples grown in foreign countries and shipped over? Why wouldn't you just eat the apples grown down the road? Of course in his travels, he'd noticed farms were few and far between, and those that remained were more commercial, growing food for corporations, not the people.
"Don't you ever get lonely?" Bella's soft voice interrupted his musings.
"Of course." He replied. "But it's been over two hundred years. You kind of get used to being alone."
"Didn't you ever want to settle down somewhere...or with someone...?"
"Honestly, I've never met anyone I'd care to spend more than a couple days with." Garrett replied. He'd often wondered what it would be like to have a mate. He'd come across other female vampires before, but none of them held his interest. He had friends scattered around the country, but they were all loners, or mated, and he'd never had a desire to live with any of them. "It would be nice to find someone to share this life with. I've just never found anyone interesting enough to make me want to settle down." He admitted.
"I'd like to travel, I think." Bella whispered.
"Then why don't you?"
"Apparently, I'm too young. But it's hard being here...being around these happily mated couples and knowing he's never coming back. Being reminded constantly of everything I've lost...everything they lost. On the other hand, I don't want to be alone. I've done that, and I don't think I could do it again." Her eyes were unfocused as she looked out over the yard. The sky was fading from black to a deep indigo signaling the start of another day. Another day without him. She thought to herself.
"You could come with me when I leave." He offered tentatively, unsure of how to help quell the sorrow etched deeply into her features.
A small smile lifted her lips. "Hmmm...maybe." Her expression turned thoughtful and they sat in silence as they watched the sunrise.
A new friendship was blooming between the two. Bella thought it was refreshing to have a friend who wasn't tied to the tragedies she'd experience. It would be possible to start over, with no reminders of the past if she were to go with him. It was something to consider.
Jasper finally pulled himself out of his self-imposed banishment and though he didn't want to face Bella, he knew he'd have to. The family needed a quick lesson on fighting and strategy, and Bella needed to work on her shields. If they were going to get out of this alive, they didn't have time for anything else.
He called everyone to assemble in the living room, and then gave out orders for the day.
"We will start with some sparring, I'll teach you as much as I can and then leave you to practice. Then I'm going to work with Bella on her shield, we had a real breakthrough yesterday, so I'll be taking over her training for now. Once we've made some progress, I'll be back to go over strategy. I'd like to see what you have already come up with and everyone needs to learn the specific gifts of the Guard. Then we'll hunt, and I suggest we fill up, because we're going to need every resource."
Bella sat wide eyed, in awe of his military persona. He commanded the attention of every vampire in the room and there was no doubt she'd stand at attention and jump to follow his orders. It helped her better understand why he was the way he was with her sometimes. He was a military man, through and through, and that would always be a part of him. She felt herself softening towards him a bit, knowing some of his behavior was because of his personality, and not something personal between them. Jasper trained countless newborns, and to him she was another newborn in need of training. It finally all came together in her mind and it was easier to forgive some of his behavior towards her.
Everyone jumped up and followed him without question to the clearing that was the backyard. Bella was surprised that Carlisle or Eleazar hadn't stepped up to take charge, but supposed it made sense for Jasper to be the one. She wondered if he felt good to finally be of use to the family, as he'd revealed to her how he usually felt like a burden and had little to contribute.
"Garrett." Jasper motioned for the nomad to join him in front of the others. "We're both military men, from different wars, but I figured we'd be a well matched pair. Just fight on instinct and I'll narrate strategy for everyone. Okay?"
Garrett nodded and crouched, ready for the fight. He easily towered over Jasper by several inches and was closer to Emmett's build, but Jasper had taken out bigger and meaner vampires in his years, sometimes more than one at a time.
Everyone watched the two vampires as they engaged each other. Jasper was fast and it was impossible for Garrett to get a hold on him. Garrett fared well enough against his opponent, as they tumbled and grappled and crashed into each other. But eventually Jasper ended the bout with his teeth at the nomad's neck. Everyone else listened as Jasper explained what Garrett did wrong and what he could have done to better defend himself, and then they went at it again. The next few hours continued in this strain. They all paired up and Jasper made his rounds through the group critiquing their methods and offering his insight.
Bella was paired up with Rosalie and found it difficult to attack her sister, even with the animosity that still existed between them. So Rose made the first move, forcing Bella to defend herself. They engaged in a battle that was more playful than it should have been, until Jasper forced unnatural anger on the pair and Bella sent Rose flying across the clearing as her shield flexed. Quickly comprehending what was happening, she pulled back and kept her bubble under control so it did not expand far enough to reach anyone else. Jasper was practically glowing with pride, but Rose was furious and launched herself right back at Bella, only to find she couldn't get within a foot of her. She finally ceased her attack and huffed, placing her hands on her hips in a snit. Everyone else had stopped and was staring at Bella with looks of amazement and pride.
Uneasy with the attention, Bella ducked her head and mumbled an apology to Rose.
"What are you apologizing for? You are set woman! I'd like to see Aro get his hands on you now." Her beautiful face broke into a smile and she held out her hand towards Bella for a congratulatory shake. Bella took her hand hesitantly, after allowing her shield to drop, and then found herself launched through the air and crashing into a tree. Bella would have been pissed, but it was all she could do to stop from laughing, and soon the rest of the family joined in. Finally, Jasper cut them off, sucking all the amusement right out of the air, literally.
"Alright, good one Bella and Rose. Let's get back to work. Bella, we'll go work on your shield now. Everyone else continue sparring and make sure to trade partners. Emmett, don't be afraid to take Esme down, there will be women in the Guard as well." Everyone snapped to attention, though they shot Bella and Jasper curious looks as they ran off through the woods. Carlisle and Eleazar were practically salivating at the chance to follow them and see what breakthrough Jasper had been talking about. Little did they know it would be revealed sooner than they anticipated.